New look Daily Post biggest change in 128 years

About 130 guests attended the official launch at Skyline last night, to celebrate Monday's change to a compact size and morning delivery.

Following a mihi (greeting) by Rotorua Daily Post's Greg Taipari and a karakia by Rotorua deputy mayor Trevor Maxwell, guests were treated to an impromptu rendition of Pokarekare Ana, which tells the love story of Hinemoa and Tutanekai. Mr Maxwell said the Te Arawa waiata had seemed fitting with Mokoia Island and Lake Rotorua in the background.

Then came the big moment as Rotorua MP Todd McClay and Mayor Kevin Winters unveiled the new masthead.

Earlier, Rotorua Daily Post general manager Matthew Sherry told guests the move to compact was the biggest change in the newspaper's 128-year history.

"This is a hugely exciting time for us," he said. "It's a significant day in our history."

Mr Sherry said the compact size and morning delivery were just two of many changes that had been made.

"We have new liftout sections, new contributors and a new masthead - over 30 changes in total," he said. "We want to continue to be relevant, fresh and deliver you quality products that are immediate and up-to-date."

The Saturday paper will remain broadsheet size, he said.

The newspaper was formerly known as the Rotorua Morning Post before becoming the Rotorua Post in 1947 and The Daily Post in 1960.

Editor Kim Gillespie said the latest name change was significant as it reflected who the paper was.

Mr Gillespie thanked his staff for their hard work and said he was looking forward to readers' reactions.

Mr McClay was among those impressed by the new look and the chance to read his local paper over breakfast.

"I'm excited to see the first edition - I will be getting up early on Monday to see if it's been delivered."